Grant Writing for Equine Therapy Nonprofit

Challenge

Wonder Wood Ranch, a 501(c)(3) in Prunedale, California, provides equine therapy and nature-based programming for low-income, gang-impacted, homeless, and disabled youth across Monterey County. The organization serves approximately 1,000 youth annually through partnerships with local probation departments and youth programs. Leadership wanted to expand its TAILS Aftercare Program — a trauma-informed rehabilitation program for incarcerated youth transitioning back into the community — into additional cities but needed funding to do it.

Approach

I led the grant writing process for a Youth Community Access Grant through the California Natural Resources Agency. That included pre-submission coordination with the funder, developing the program scope with Wonder Wood Ranch leadership, drafting the narrative, preparing the team for interview, and managing all post-award submissions. The application positioned the expansion around four communities — Greenfield, King City, Salinas, and Soledad — and a program model designed to serve approximately 250 participants through field trips, hands-on interaction with rescued animals, and time on a working ranch.

Result

Wonder Wood Ranch was awarded $150,000 through the YCA Grant Program, part of a $38 million statewide investment by the California Natural Resources Agency. The project begins late 2025 and runs through March 2027.